Up 49–14 on the Blue Raiders, Hilltoppers redshirt freshman kicker Ryan Nuss was just trying to unleash a squib kick, preventing a big return. Instead, his kick deflected off a member of the Middle Tennssee return team and popped up into the air. Western Kentucky then rushed in to claim the live ball and take possession back.

The Hilltoppers managed to convert the onside kick into three points, extending their lead to 52–14 at the half.